The state is launching an investigation after smoke from the burning of methamphetamine seized by the FBI billowed into the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, shuttering the building.

After the evacuation, 14 workers were taken to local hospitals for testing and treatment on Sept. 10.

Madison McGeffers, a spokeswoman for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality , said the state was not aware of the city’s plans to incinerate the drugs last week. She said Billings has a permit from DEQ but the county health department typically monitors activity at the facility.

“We’ve got a specific protocol that we follow to reduce risk,” City Administrator Chris Kukulski said. “And yet we still had the problem.”

Along with shelter staff, five law enforcement officers were also checked out

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